Junior Rifle Program on target for youth interested in firearms

October 03, 2005

GAYLORD - The Northland Sportsmen's Club is setting its sights on teaching youths how to be safe, accurate marksmen during the new season of the Civilian Marksmanship Program's (CMP) Junior Rifle Program.

The CMP Junior Rifle Program is a National Rifle Association (NRA)-sanctioned program open to all young people between the ages of 10 and 20, and educates students on the essentials of using a firearm.

"We begin with gun safety and familiarization with a firearm," said Bill Meyer, one of several of the program's instructors. The students then learn the importance of concentrating on every action they make while handling a firearm.

Bolt-action .22-caliber rifles and ammunition are provided, free of charge, for the students' use during the class. Students will work their way from learning the function of a safety and other mechanisms on the firearm; what makes the gun fire; how to handle the gun; and finally, the right way to make accurate, consistent shots on a target.

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As students excel in their marksmanship, they may earn NRA badges, and awards in April at the end of the season are handed out to the most proficient students.

The annual Shooter Awards Dinner was held recently at the clubhouse, where CMP Junior Rifle shooters were recognized and presented medals and certificates earned during the 2004-05 season.

The program will be held every Wednesday at 6:30 p.m., beginning Oct. 5 and continuing through April of 2006, at the Northland Sportsmen's Club, 1542 Old Alba Road. For more information, call Meyer at 732-2171.